Our nation’s birthday will be celebrated this week, with Fourth of July celebrations and dazzling fireworks displays taking place across Cleveland, Lincoln and Gaston counties and beyond. Hometown celebrations, multi-day festivals and baseball games followed by fireworks displays give folks plenty of chances to commemorate the holiday.

Here’s a roundup of Independence Day festivities in our area and within driving distance. Admission is free unless noted.

CLEVELAND COUNTY

JULY 4TH CELEBRATION AT THE PARK

When: Begins at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Where: Shelby City Park, 850 W. Sumter St.

Cost: $3 for arm band good for rides and bounces and $1 admission to pool.

What’s Happening: The day begins with a Horse Shoe Tournament at 9 a.m. Next will be a Corn Hole Tournament beginning at 10 a.m. The pool opens with “Swim for a Dollar” day from noon to 6 p.m. (swimmers 12 and younger must be accompanied by an adult). From noon to 4 p.m. carnival rides will be set up in the aid conditioned gym and the Carrousel and Rotary Train will be open. Concessions will be available.

Details: www.cityofshelby.com or 704-484-6811.

SHELBY FIREWORKS

When: 9:30 p.m. Wednesday

Where: LeGrand Center. off Marion Street.

MOSS LAKE

The Independence Day Boat Parade will convene at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 4, at Snake Island. Boaters will parade in patriotically decorated boats around the perimeter of Moss Lake. On Friday night, July 5, the illuminated boat parade will depart Snake Island at 8:30 p.m., again following the perimeter of the lake. Spectators may view the parades from the public landings on the lake.

What’s Happening: A gathering of Revolutionary re-enactor militias will be camped prior to the celebration, music, a mock cannon battle and the largest fireworks show between Charlotte and Asheville highlight the event.

Details: 704-473-8727.

LATTIMORE

When: Thursday

Parade: Entries will line up for the parade on Oak Drive/Towery Road at 8 a.m. The parade begins at 9 a.m. and go up Westlee, Main and Price Streets. Entries will include law enforcement vehicles, antique cars, horses, tractors, and more.

What’s Happening: After the parade, a patriotic program will be presented at the recreation park of Lattimore Baptist Church. The celebration begins around 10 a.m. and will features the recognition of veterans and entertainment including The Chick Band, a group of retired teachers playing a variety of music from classic country to The Beetles.

Where: North Academy Street between Freedom Church and First United Methodist Church, downtown Lincolnton and Lincolnton High School football stadium, 803 N. Aspen St.

What’s Happening: The annual event features free children’s activities from 6 to 8 p.m., a parade through downtown beginning at 8 p.m. and an evening capped off by a patriotic ceremony at 9 p.m. and the fireworks display at the high school stadium.

Details: 704-736-8980.

RUTHERFORD COUNTY

RUTHERFORDTON

When: Thursday

Where: Downtown, Main Street

What’s Happening: A walking parade at 1 p.m. followed by the second annual Soapbox Derby at 2 p.m. Live music, watermelon and pie eating contests, vendors, inflatables and a cornhole tournament round out the festivities before closing with fireworks at dark.

Details: www.Rutherfordtown.com.

FOREST CITY OWLS FIREWORKS

When: Thursday following the conclusion of the First City Owls/Martinsville Mustangs baseball game. Game starts at 7:30 p.m.

Where: McNair Field, McNair Drive, off Main Street, Forest City.

Cost: Tickets $6-$8.

Details: www.forestcitybaseball.com or 828-245-0000.

GASTON COUNTY

CHERRYVILLE INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION

When: 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, with fireworks starting at 10 p.m.

Where: Downtown Mini-Park, East Main Street.

What’s Happening: Beach music favorites Jim Quick & The Coastline Band will be the featured performers. Food vendors selling all of the traditional festival foods will be on hand. Bring a lawn chair or blanket.

Details: 704-435-3451.

GASTONIA JULY 4TH CELEBRATION

When: 11 a.m.-9p.m. Thursday. Fireworks begin around 9:15 p.m.

Where: Downtown Gastonia.

What’s Happening: The celebration will begin with a military ceremony at the Rotary Pavilion and will include carnival rides and games, music at the Rotary Pavilion, a car show, street vendors, children’s activities, food vendors and fireworks. Downtown merchants will be featured with sidewalk shopping and downtown restaurants will be open. A Firecracker Bake Off takes place at the Gastonia Conference Center and there will be hot dog, watermelon and pie eating contests.

Details: www.gastoniajuly4th.com

POLIE Q. CLONINGER MEMORIAL FIREWORKS

When: Dusk Thursday.

Where: Church Street, across from the old Dallas High School Apartments, Dallas.

Cost: Online single day tickets are $46.99 ($56.99 at front gate); online twilight (after 4 p.m.) tickets are $26.99. Active, inactive and retired U.S. military personnel with valid military I.D. will receive free admission. Single day parking is $12.

What’s Happening: The “Celebrate America” fireworks show will illuminate the sky Thursday night. During both days, presentations of the colors, flag ceremonies, performances and all-you-can-eat picnics take place.

Details: www.carowinds.com or 704-588-2600.

NOVANT HEALTH JULY 4TH SPECTACULAR

When: 6-10 p.m. Thursday, with fireworks starting at 9:30 p.m.

Where: Memorial Stadium, 310 N. Kings Drive, Charlotte.

What’s Happening: Family friendly activities with food and drinks (no alcohol) available for purchase. Spectators can bring blankets and find spots on the field. Free admission; parking at Memorial Stadium is $5.